Rochester man recovering after being shot in home invasion

By JOHN QUINNUnion Leader CorrespondentDecember 24. 2013 12:43AMROCHESTER — A King Street resident is recovering from a non-life-threatening injuring after being shot Monday with a handgun during a home invasion before midnight.

Police responded to 18 King St. at 12:01 a.m. after receiving a report of the armed robbery, including the fact someone had been shot.

“We believe this specific house was targeted,” Capt. Paul Toussaint said, adding it doesn’t appear that this is connected to other robberies or that there is any danger to the public.

Toussaint could not provide specifics because the case is under investigation; he said the two residents were awake when two men entered the home through the front door.

“It appears the door was open,” Toussaint said, adding the incident happened quickly and the two men were not in the home “for an extended period of time.”

Police believe two masked men entered the bedroom of the man and his girlfriend. After the man refused to provide any money, he was shot in the left lower leg and was struck by another unknown object, according to police.

Toussaint said he couldn’t provide the caliber or further details about the handgun as it is a key piece of evidence in the matter.

As the two men were leaving the home, they were confronted at the front door by another woman who lived in the home. She chased the two men down the street until they pointed the gun at her and told her to back away, which she did. Both men fled down Court Street on foot, according to police.

Toussaint said police are trying to determine whether the robbers had a vehicle nearby.

Following the incident, the injured man was taken to Frisbie Memorial Hospital, where he was reported in stable condition Monday morning, according to police.

The man who shot the resident is described as being white with blond hair, between 16 and 25 years old, between 5 foot, 3 inches and 5 foot, 9 inches tall and 120 to 150 pounds. He was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a light colored bandana, which covered his face, according to police.

The second man had a thin build and was taller than his companion. He was wearing dark-colored clothing and a ski mask, according to police.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Rochester Police Detective Jeremiah Murphy at 330-7140. Calls to the Rochester Crimeline will remain confidential, and rewards may be given for information leading to an arrest. Anonymous tips can be left on the Rochester Crimeline at 335-6500 or texted to Crimes (274637). In the body of the text, simply write TEXT4CASH followed by the tip.